The automobile windshield chip repair problem with ignoring the damage is that it will grow worse with time. Replacements have their downsides as well. Besides spending up to $350, you lose the original manufacture seal. Many replacements are done incorrectly and can leak and crack. What is the alternative?
If you have a leak it's very frustrating. But spending thousands of dollars on interior pieces or your electrical system will make you even more frustrated. You need to call your auto glass company and have it fixed immediately.
Check with your insurance, because it's likely your insurance will pay for some forms of windshield chip repair. They may even waive the deductible, since repairing your windshield is so much cheaper than replacing a windshield. Should you need total front window repair, you may have to pay a deductible with your insurance.
A windshield repair, when done correctly, is the safe choice. But not all damage is repairable. For as many types of debris that exist to damage your windshield, there are as many types of chips and cracks that can result. Some of the most common types of chips have been named.
A surface pit is a nick in the glass associated with normal wear and tear that does not penetrate to the plastic inner layer. This can be repaired if the damaged area has a diameter of not less than 1/8 inch.
To further strengthen the windshield, the auto glass is subjected to a tempering phase. The sheet is heated to a temperature of 1565 degrees Fahrenheit or 850 degrees Celsius. It is then subjected to blasts of cold air. A piece of PVB plastic is sandwiched between two pieces of auto glass. The sandwich is heated inside an autoclave. This bonds the components together tightly and removes any trapped air.